Gutters serve an essential function in the well-being of your home, but the truth is, many homeowners take them for granted. At least twice a year, it’s crucial to clean out your entire gutter system because even one clog can lead to serious problems.
From the Landmark Exteriors team, here are a few tips to help you handle your gutter cleaning safely:
Have The Right Tools Ready
First, you’ll need something to help you reach the gutters; a sturdy ladder should do the trick. Next, you’ll want to wear protective clothing and accessories such as a long-sleeved shirt, goggles or glasses, and gloves. Then, make sure you have a bag, bucket, or tarp ready to toss all your gutter muck into after removal. Lastly, make sure you have a hose, gutter scoop, or any other materials you are using to clean out the debris ready.
Don’t Do It Alone
Never clean your gutters on your own; enlist the help of a friend or family member to ensure the job gets done safely. Your partner should be there to hold the ladder securely and hand you the tools you need while cleaning out the system.
Scoop Out Debris
The best way to get those cluttered pieces of leaves, sticks, dirt, and more out of your gutters is to simply grab them and pull them out. Either use your gloved hands or a gutter scooping tool to get the job done. However, do not use a metal gutter scooping tool since scraping the bottom of your gutters can lead to serious rust and cracks after repeated use.
Flush The Gutters
Now that you’ve scooped out all that gunk, grab your garden hose and let the water flush out your gutters to ensure a clean and functioning system. This will eliminate any last pieces of debris stuck throughout the unit and check for any leaks.
Don’t Forget The Downspouts
Downspouts are very prone to clogs but are often forgotten about when it comes to gutter cleaning. A strong stream of water may be enough to rinse out the downspouts, but if not, you may want to be certain all those chunks of debris are out with the help of a trusty plumber’s snake.
Contact Landmark Exteriors for gutter repairs and installations!
The experts at Landmark Exteriors are here to help ensure your home’s gutter system looks great and functions properly for years to come! Give us a call at (203) 838-3838 or visit our website to learn more.